Treats the effects of acne and removes skin pigmentation.. 5 benefits of licorice oil for the skin

 While licorice may be one of the most divisive drinks in the world, between loyal lovers and anti-hater, there is absolutely no doubt that licorice root is one of the most effective skincare ingredients.

For this reason, below we review the benefits of licorice oil in skincare, and how it can be used as part of your daily skincare routine.

What is licorice oil extract?

Licorice root extract comes from the plant also known scientifically as glycyrrhiza glabra.

Licorice oil, which has a sweet taste and a relatively intoxicating taste, is extracted specifically from the roots of the plant.

The oil is usually sold in Western Europe, South Asia, and the Middle East, and has been used for centuries for its health properties in alternative medicine and traditional therapy, or its flavourful taste.

Benefits of licorice oil for the skin

Scientists recently discovered that an emulsified licorice oil extract, which allows both water and oil-based ingredients to mix effectively, has several beneficial properties.

The glycyrrhizin in the oil is the main active ingredient that gives the extract its sweet flavor, and it also contains some volatile compounds, such as flavonoids and saponins, all of which are healthy ingredients for naturally beautiful skin without the need for cosmetics.

Here are some other reasons you might want to check out licorice, according to the beauty and skincare website Fleur And Bee.

1- To lighten and enhance the freshness of the skin

Licorice oil helps reverse hyperpigmentation, a condition in which the skin develops dark patches that make it appear uneven in color and texture.

It also helps reduce melasma that can occur due to sun exposure or hormonal changes during pregnancy.

2- Natural sunscreen

In addition to helping lighten skin already damaged by sun damage, licorice contains glabridin, which helps stop discoloration during and immediately after exposure to the sun.

UV rays are the main cause of skin discoloration, but licorice oil contains enzymes that block UV rays, preventing new skin damage from occurring.

3- Accelerates the healing of scars

Oftentimes, a person may develop scarring due to acne, injuries, or pimples and scrapes on the skin.

Here comes the effectiveness of licorice oil in accelerating the healing process by inhibiting the production of melanin, an amino acid responsible for skin pigmentation.

Although melanin helps protect the skin from UV damage, the overproduction of melanin is another problem.

Excess melanin production during sun exposure can lead to unwanted effects, including dark scars and even skin cancer.

4- Treating inflammation and acne

Licorice is said to have a soothing effect on the skin and help reduce inflammation, however, more studies are needed to prove the oil's feasibility in treating the problem.

However, the health and beauty website The J Beauty Collection notes that the glycyrrhizin compounds in licorice oil can reduce redness, irritation, and swelling.

Therefore, it is used to treat skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis or eczema and acne problems.

5- Soften the skin

Licorice oil helps replenish our skin's stores of collagen and elastin, both of which are essential compounds in maintaining our skin's elasticity, softness, suppleness, and youthfulness.

Not only that, but licorice helps preserve the skin's hyaluronic acid, a compound that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water in the skin when applied topically, enhancing hydration and smoothing for those with dry skin.